History made as Collingham & District Cricket Club field women's team in first competitive league fixture

Duffield (Derbys) (303-2) beat Collingham (230-6) by 73 runs, Collingham (250-4) lost to Clifton (Derbys) (311-2) by 61 runs.

History was made on Sunday when Collingham & District Cricket Club fielded a women’s team in competitive league fixtures for the first time in its 173-year existence.

The Collingham women acquitted themselves creditably against more experienced opposition in games against hosts Duffield and fellow visitors Clifton.

The stunning setting in the lower reaches of Derbyshire’s Derwent Valley was a fitting venue for the occasion, and witnessed some hugely impressive individual performances in the two defeats.

Player-manager Jo Chapman was exhilarated after the East Midlands Women’s Cricket League Super 8s Division 3 North opening fixtures.

“This team has worked hard in practice over the last few months and we are so pleased to finally play our first games,” she said.

“We learned a lot in the two matches and, while we still have a long way to go, we are all smiling which is the whole point.”

Special mentions are due to Louise Bilbie for a near-faultless display with the gloves and to Gemma Tarr whose power with the bat belied her complete lack of competitive experience.

The bowling relied on accuracy in line and length rather than any great pace to largely contain both opponents, and the fielding was fully committed.

Memories were created for all the Collingham players and supporters and the team will draw great confidence from their debut outing ahead of next Sunday’s double-header at Kimberley against the hosts and Keyworth.

Collingham are still looking for players and anyone interested should contact the club via its website.